For those who’ve never made the trip to Austin for SXSW, our best advice is to go with the flow; follow the crowds, take chances, give yourselves the ability to stumble across bands you’ve never heard of, in locations you don’t expect. It’s the best way to discover something new. But it doesn’t hurt to know where the best events are in town.
At most events and venues, if you have a badge, you’ll be let in first. And if you have an “SXpress pass” you’ll be put at the front of that queue. For the bigger shows and films – even the conference talks – it’s recommended to get there an hour early – we’ve never missed a show whilst living by those rules.
Most importantly, make sure you’re in the right queue. If you really want to be at a show, don’t take any chances. And when you don’t know where to go, or what to do during the live music portion of the festival, keep this guide handy. These are the best venues and events of SXSW:
Central Presbyterian Church
Address: 200 E 8th St
Date(s): Daily
There are now several active churches that put on special performances every year at the festival, but this venue is our go to, and has been an official SXSW venue for as long as we’ve been attending. Over the years we’ve witnessed Band of Horses (HERE), James Blake (HERE), Typhoon (HERE), and Iron & Wine (HERE), among many others. It’s an opportunity to witness some pretty special performances in a carefully curated setting that features some of the best acoustics of the whole city.
This year has already announced with the likes of Brandi Carlile, Alberta Cross, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, James Vincent McMorrow, Australia’s own George Maple, Torres and many more. For the full lineup (so far) head to the official schedule
Mohawk’s
Address: 912 Red River St
Date(s): Daily
If there’s one of the small-to-medium venues in Austin that you can always count on for a great lineup, it’s Mohawk’s. Located on Red River and 10th, over the last few years it’s played host to the likes of Band of Skulls with Warpaint (HERE); Cold War Kids with Local Natives (HERE); and Iggy and the Stooges (HERE), just to name a few. Even during interactive it becomes a go to hot spot – I remember stumbling across a Man Man show not too long ago (HERE) which may or may not have been brought to us by PayPal. If you ever get stumped on a place to check out, this is always a pretty safe bet.
This year, Future Islands, Laura Marling, Shlohmo and more are set to play the outdoor stage. You can see the full lineup (so far) on the official schedule
The Aussie BBQ
Address: Brush Square Park, 409 E 5th Street (Opposite Convention Centre)
Date(s): Friday March 20th
Traditionally held at Maggie Mae’s on 6th street on the Saturday, this year the event will move outdoors, taking over the two stages that occupy Brush Park opposite the Austin Convention Centre. Though the location is different, not much will change about the music – or the BBQ. A day full of good food and great Australian music. For those based in the U.S it’s an opportunity for them to discover the best new music from our region. For those of us from Australia, it’s a rare chance to see well known acts play in relatively intimate surrounds! And with some 15 minutes to set up – if they’re lucky – you’re often treated to something original along the way too.
Head HERE to find out all the details about the 2015 event.
Stubb’s
Address: 801 Red River Street
Date(s): Daily
Stubb’s is probably one of the most iconic venues in the Austin area, certainly when it comes to SXSW’s music program each year. Both a BBQ restaurant and live music venue, Stubb’s becomes a hub for some amazing music showcases during SXSW that draw out thousands to 801 Red River. In 2014, the likes of London Grammar and The Kooks showcased, while iconic label Def Jam celebrated their 30th anniversary at Stubb’s with an explosive line up boasting Redman, Method Man, Aloe Blacc and Pusha T. I walked past the venue as Lady Gaga took the stage for her infamous performance. Anything can happen at Stubb’s, any night of the week. Make sure you grab some BBQ and enjoy the show.
This year, TV on the Radio and Ludacris will headline the Interactive Closing Party on the Tuesday. TV on the Radio will also join Courtney Barnett and more on the Wednesday. The rest of the week will play host to the likes of Marina and the Diamonds, Bleachers, Milky Chance and more. See the official showcases HERE.
MTVu Woodies
Address: TBC
Date(s): Friday 20th March
The mtvU Woodies takes place on March 20th this year and is a great event to be a part of. The lineup showcases some of the biggest up and coming artists on the SXSW music program who usually are either on the precipice of breaking it big time within the wider music industry, or they’re already there. 2014 saw the likes of Echosmith, Sam Smith, Iggy Azalea, The 1975 and Childish Gambino all perform, while Lil Wayne, Steve Aoki, Danny Brown and the cast of Divergent were all onsite to present awards. It’s a free event for the public, so you need to be down there fairly early to get in, but once you do, it’s really comfortable to move around – the event is even freaking catered.
Some of the best brisket I ate was at the Woodies last year (from Salt Lick!), and with a few free drinks thrown in, I was guaranteed a good night. The mtvU Woodies is also a filmed awards show, which is also exciting. The channel targets the college-age demographic and so the awards event is broadcast via the cable channel which reaches over 750 college and university campuses across the country. Woodie Award voting is currently open at Woodies.MTV.com
SPIN Party
Address: Stubbs, 801 Red River Street
Date(s): Friday 20th March
The SPIN Party at Stubb’s is a great opportunity to mix with other SXSW Music delegates, start your day with an excellent breakfast burrito, and spend the afternoon with some great artists from different genres. The day party prides itself on diversity within their line ups; Future, Cloud Nothings, Against Me!, Warpaint and Future Islands were just some of the artists to take to the two stages in 2014, to massive applause. One of the popular mainstay events of SXSW, the SPIN Party is definitely one of the hotter events on the calendar, so be sure to RSVP and pick up your lanyard – you don’t want to be stuck on the outside for this one.
Fader Fort
Address: 1101 E 5th St
Date(s): Wednesday 18th March to Saturday 21st March
The Converse-presented Fader Fort is another one of those SXSW venues which people seem to spend a lot of time waiting to get into or telling others about how awesome it is because they were lucky enough to gain entry to. Hosting parties over four days, the Fader Fort has become home to some amazing artists, both newcomers to SXSW and favourites of the publication. 2014 saw The Orwells, Jeremih, Little Dragon and Glass Animals plus so many more bands from around the well drop by and perform some stand out sets. You never know who you’ll see pop up at the Fader parties, which I suppose is the crucial element of their reputation that has made their events so in demand.
For more information on Fader Fort this year click HERE
Spotify House
Address: 901 E 6th Street
Date(s): Sunday 15th March to Wednesday 18th March
The Spotify House returns to SXSW for its fifth year in 2015 and again is likely to present some great sets of live music in an intimate setting. This year, they’ve got the likes of Run The Jewels, The Vaccines, ODESZA, Joey Bada$$ and Twin Shadow on their roster, making the venue home to some of the hot ones-to-watch artists of this year’s SXSW Music list. Think of it like a huge house party that features some bands you’d never be likely to see perform in such a context, coupled with some famous Austin nibbles and eats – it’s the perfect formula. Running from March 15th to 18th this year, the schedule is up and posted right HERE
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For more on what to do during SXSW as well as how to get around head to TravelTex
Click HERE for Part Two
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